In Episode 11,  Lauren introduces listeners to Marie, a talkative guest at a hostel near the Grand Canyon.

Transforming the world, one stranger at a time.

On a quest to eliminate loneliness and isolation, writer and podcaster Lauren Hansen is on a mission to encourage every person to meet someone new every day. This podcast shares inspirational stories of her interactions with strangers across the world. Be inspired through her stories to create new stories of your own.

W – Wonder 

Have you noticed yourself avoiding anyone in the past week or two? What emotions are present when you think of that person? 

A – Activate 

Has someone been annoying you lately? A few people? Do you know their stories? Reach out and ask them a few questions today. Maybe there’s something beyond the surface that you haven’t yet seen.

Y – Yield 

Ask the Holy Spirit to show you what may be causing the disconnection you feel. If you notice feelings of bitterness or resentment surfacing, bring those to Jesus and invite him to speak to you. Write what he reveals to you below.

Support the show

Lauren Hansen, M.Ed., is a natural storyteller and creative consultant who believes that love + words can set people free and transform relationships. As the founder of Lauren Hansen Consulting LLC, she specializes in creative consulting that guides individuals through every step of the book writing process, hosts inspiring workshops that guide people toward becoming the greatest versions of themselves, and pioneers meaningful projects with organizations that impact the globe.

As an author, speaker, and podcaster, Lauren is passionate about helping people see themselves and others more clearly, fostering deeper connections through powerful communication. She’s the host of the Strangers on The Way Podcast, author of Strangers on The Way: Finding God Through the People We Meet and Behind the Waterfall: Navigating the Uncharted Waters of Grief, and the creator of the Wholeness Journal series. 

Lauren’s mission is to empower individuals to love boldly, communicate honestly, and thrive in every connection. In her free time, you’ll find her hosting spontaneous living room dance parties with her large extended family in Chicago.

Learn more at laurenhansencreative.com.

In Episode 10, Lauren introduces listeners to Bruce, a man she met on the top of a mountain in California who gave new perspective on seasons of waiting.

Transforming the world, one stranger at a time.

On a quest to eliminate loneliness and isolation, writer and podcaster Lauren Hansen is on a mission to encourage every person to meet someone new every day. This podcast shares inspirational stories of her interactions with strangers across the world. Be inspired through her stories to create new stories of your own.

W – Wonder 

What are you hoping for? What are you waiting for? Ask the Holy Spirit to bring those dreams to mind and write them below.

A – Activate 

Listen to the song “Way Maker” by Sinach and as the words wash over you, ask God to remind you how he is working behind the scenes in your life.

What do you sense God revealing to you through the song? 

Y – Yield 

If you have been pouring out your heart to God, praying the same unanswered prayer over and over, I want you to take heart. God sees. God knows. God cares. Just because you don’t see an answer doesn’t mean he’s not working in the background. My prayer for you today is that he sends you someone like Bruce to encourage you to keep pressing on.

Support the show

Lauren Hansen, M.Ed., is a natural storyteller and creative consultant who believes that love + words can set people free and transform relationships. As the founder of Lauren Hansen Consulting LLC, she specializes in creative consulting that guides individuals through every step of the book writing process, hosts inspiring workshops that guide people toward becoming the greatest versions of themselves, and pioneers meaningful projects with organizations that impact the globe.

As an author, speaker, and podcaster, Lauren is passionate about helping people see themselves and others more clearly, fostering deeper connections through powerful communication. She’s the host of the Strangers on The Way Podcast, author of Strangers on The Way: Finding God Through the People We Meet and Behind the Waterfall: Navigating the Uncharted Waters of Grief, and the creator of the Wholeness Journal series. 

Lauren’s mission is to empower individuals to love boldly, communicate honestly, and thrive in every connection. In her free time, you’ll find her hosting spontaneous living room dance parties with her large extended family in Chicago.

Learn more at laurenhansencreative.com.

In Episode 9, Lauren introduces listeners to Kellan, a young adult overcoming social anxiety.

Transforming the world, one stranger at a time.

On a quest to eliminate loneliness and isolation, writer and podcaster Lauren Hansen is on a mission to encourage every person to meet someone new every day. This podcast shares inspirational stories of her interactions with strangers across the world. Be inspired through her stories to create new stories of your own.

W – Wonder

Reflect on your own life and ask God to remind you of someone who has pursued you. Perhaps this is someone who comforted you when you were going through a difficult season, someone who showed you love when you didn’t deserve it, perhaps it is a teacher or coach, or maybe it is a family member or friend. Write about how they cared for you below.

A – Activate 

Sit in your chair or lay down and take five deep breaths. Bring that specific memory/person to mind. Let the way they loved you sink deeper into your heart. Remember how it felt to be cherished, thought of or fought for. After a few minutes, replace that person’s face with the face of Jesus. Ask him how he is pursuing you today. Write anything you noticed in the space below.

Y – Yield 

You matter to God. You matter infinitely more than you could ever think or imagine. His love for you is deep. It is strong. It is mighty. He longs to fill all of the gaps you feel are missing. He longs to fill you up with love and hope and joy. Pour your heart out to him today. He treasures your thoughts. He honors your tears and your pain and your laughter and your joy. He treasures everything about you. And just as Jesus pursued us in the greatest way 2,000 years ago, he continues to pursue you every day of your life. Keep your eyes open for the ways he is pursuing you today.

Support the show

Lauren Hansen, M.Ed., is a natural storyteller and creative consultant who believes that love + words can set people free and transform relationships. As the founder of Lauren Hansen Consulting LLC, she specializes in creative consulting that guides individuals through every step of the book writing process, hosts inspiring workshops that guide people toward becoming the greatest versions of themselves, and pioneers meaningful projects with organizations that impact the globe.

As an author, speaker, and podcaster, Lauren is passionate about helping people see themselves and others more clearly, fostering deeper connections through powerful communication. She’s the host of the Strangers on The Way Podcast, author of Strangers on The Way: Finding God Through the People We Meet and Behind the Waterfall: Navigating the Uncharted Waters of Grief, and the creator of the Wholeness Journal series. 

Lauren’s mission is to empower individuals to love boldly, communicate honestly, and thrive in every connection. In her free time, you’ll find her hosting spontaneous living room dance parties with her large extended family in Chicago.

Learn more at laurenhansencreative.com.

In Episode 8, Lauren introduces listeners to Jim, a widower who became her surprise dinner companion at an Italian restaurant in Laguna Beach, California.

Transforming the world, one stranger at a time.

On a quest to eliminate loneliness and isolation, writer and podcaster Lauren Hansen is on a mission to encourage every person to meet someone new every day. This podcast shares inspirational stories of her interactions with strangers across the world. Be inspired through her stories to create new stories of your own.

W – Wonder

Do you feel lonely today? Invite God into those feelings. Ask him if your heart is longing for connection with him, with yourself or with others. Ask him to fill those places in your heart. Ask him who you can reach out to today.

A – Activate 

Are there others in your life who may feel lonely? Reach out to a single mom or dad, a widower, or a single friend to encourage them this week.

Who will you reach out to this week?
How will you connect with them?

Y – Yield 

Henri Nouwen said, “All human beings are alone. No other person will completely feel like we do, think like we do, act like we do. Each of us is unique, and our aloneness is the other side of our uniqueness. The question is whether we let our aloneness become loneliness or whether we allow it to lead us into solitude.” Is God inviting you into solitude today? How can you carve out a few moments with him to invite him to speak to your heart?

Support the show

Lauren Hansen, M.Ed., is a natural storyteller and creative consultant who believes that love + words can set people free and transform relationships. As the founder of Lauren Hansen Consulting LLC, she specializes in creative consulting that guides individuals through every step of the book writing process, hosts inspiring workshops that guide people toward becoming the greatest versions of themselves, and pioneers meaningful projects with organizations that impact the globe.

As an author, speaker, and podcaster, Lauren is passionate about helping people see themselves and others more clearly, fostering deeper connections through powerful communication. She’s the host of the Strangers on The Way Podcast, author of Strangers on The Way: Finding God Through the People We Meet and Behind the Waterfall: Navigating the Uncharted Waters of Grief, and the creator of the Wholeness Journal series. 

Lauren’s mission is to empower individuals to love boldly, communicate honestly, and thrive in every connection. In her free time, you’ll find her hosting spontaneous living room dance parties with her large extended family in Chicago.

Learn more at laurenhansencreative.com.

In Episode 7, Lauren introduces listeners to Aliyah, a powerful woman from Jamaica who brings a new perspective to asking for what you need.

Transforming the world, one stranger at a time.

On a quest to eliminate loneliness and isolation, writer and podcaster Lauren Hansen is on a mission to encourage every person to meet someone new every day. This podcast shares inspirational stories of her interactions with strangers across the world. Be inspired through her stories to create new stories of your own.

W – Wonder

Have you noticed any “coincidences” this week? Could God have been weaving things together? Share your experiences.

A – Activate 

Let’s be on the lookout today. Let’s ask, “Holy Spirit, who do you want to bless through me today?”

Y – Yield 

If the name of a friend pops into your head today, or you notice a stranger while you’re out and about, ask God if he may want to share some word of encouragement with them. Pause, breathe, and listen. You may see a picture in your imagination or a word may come to mind or you may sense something in your gut. And then take a risk and share it. If you tell the person and it doesn’t resonate, that’s okay — you just encouraged them, and don’t we all need a little more encouragement? But if it did resonate, it may change their entire view of God’s love for them or help them walk into the destiny God has planned for them — and isn’t that totally amazing? 

Support the show

Lauren Hansen, M.Ed., is a natural storyteller and creative consultant who believes that love + words can set people free and transform relationships. As the founder of Lauren Hansen Consulting LLC, she specializes in creative consulting that guides individuals through every step of the book writing process, hosts inspiring workshops that guide people toward becoming the greatest versions of themselves, and pioneers meaningful projects with organizations that impact the globe.

As an author, speaker, and podcaster, Lauren is passionate about helping people see themselves and others more clearly, fostering deeper connections through powerful communication. She’s the host of the Strangers on The Way Podcast, author of Strangers on The Way: Finding God Through the People We Meet and Behind the Waterfall: Navigating the Uncharted Waters of Grief, and the creator of the Wholeness Journal series. 

Lauren’s mission is to empower individuals to love boldly, communicate honestly, and thrive in every connection. In her free time, you’ll find her hosting spontaneous living room dance parties with her large extended family in Chicago.

Learn more at laurenhansencreative.com.

In Episode 6, Lauren introduces listeners to Sunny, an elderly gardener with a miraculous healing story.

Transforming the world, one stranger at a time.

On a quest to eliminate loneliness and isolation, writer and podcaster Lauren Hansen is on a mission to encourage every person to meet someone new every day. This podcast shares inspirational stories of her interactions with strangers across the world. Be inspired through her stories to create new stories of your own.

W – Wonder

Are there any strangers or new friends that God has placed in your life lately? Are there people you’ve felt drawn to? How connected are you to other generations (elderly, families, singles, children)?

A – Activate 

Have a conversation with someone from a different generation than you this week. Ask God to share insights and wisdom with you from the conversation.

Y – Yield


Psalm 145:5-7 says, “One generation will commend your works to another; they will tell of your mighty acts. They will speak of the glorious splendor of your majesty, and I will meditate on your wonderful works. They will tell of the power of your awesome works, and I will proclaim your great deeds. They will celebrate your abundant goodness and joyfully sing of your righteousness.” God, I pray for the person reading this that you bring someone into their life this week that will tell of the power of your awesome works and I pray that you bring someone into their life that they can tell of your mighty acts.

Support the show

Lauren Hansen, M.Ed., is a natural storyteller and creative consultant who believes that love + words can set people free and transform relationships. As the founder of Lauren Hansen Consulting LLC, she specializes in creative consulting that guides individuals through every step of the book writing process, hosts inspiring workshops that guide people toward becoming the greatest versions of themselves, and pioneers meaningful projects with organizations that impact the globe.

As an author, speaker, and podcaster, Lauren is passionate about helping people see themselves and others more clearly, fostering deeper connections through powerful communication. She’s the host of the Strangers on The Way Podcast, author of Strangers on The Way: Finding God Through the People We Meet and Behind the Waterfall: Navigating the Uncharted Waters of Grief, and the creator of the Wholeness Journal series. 

Lauren’s mission is to empower individuals to love boldly, communicate honestly, and thrive in every connection. In her free time, you’ll find her hosting spontaneous living room dance parties with her large extended family in Chicago.

Learn more at laurenhansencreative.com.

In Episode 5, Lauren introduces listeners to Gold Six, a camouflage leadership ranger who shifts her perspective on failure.

Transforming the world, one stranger at a time.

On a quest to eliminate loneliness and isolation, writer and podcaster Lauren Hansen is on a mission to encourage every person to meet someone new every day. This podcast shares inspirational stories of her interactions with strangers across the world. Be inspired through her stories to create new stories of your own.

W – Wonder

We all mess up sometimes. Think of a recent “failure” in your life. What did you learn from it? Write your thoughts.

A – Activate 

The best way to overcome the shame or guilt that can seep in when we fail is to forgive – ourselves and others. Invite God to show you if you have forgiven yourself for your past failures. Invite him to show you if there are others you haven’t forgiven. Forgiveness is one of the greatest keys to mental and emotional wholeness. It is an act of the will and not necessarily a feeling. Often when we make the decision to forgive, feelings will follow. Take a few deep breaths and ask God if there is anyone he is inviting you to forgive today (including you!)

Who is God inviting me to forgive today?

Y – Yield

I invite you to pray this prayer with me: God, thank you for your grace and mercy and love. I choose today to forgive myself and to forgive those who have hurt me. I ask for your forgiveness for my failures and I receive it with gratitude. Thank you for the grace to help me let go of the past. I choose to bless myself and the people who have hurt me (you may want to list them by name out loud). God, will you please show me how you see me and how you see those who have hurt me? (Pause – he may show you an image in your imagination or give you a song or point you to a scripture). God, would you please remove shame and heal my heart? Thank you God that your mercies are new every morning. Great is your faithfulness. In Jesus’ name, amen.

Support the show

Lauren Hansen, M.Ed., is a natural storyteller and creative consultant who believes that love + words can set people free and transform relationships. As the founder of Lauren Hansen Consulting LLC, she specializes in creative consulting that guides individuals through every step of the book writing process, hosts inspiring workshops that guide people toward becoming the greatest versions of themselves, and pioneers meaningful projects with organizations that impact the globe.

As an author, speaker, and podcaster, Lauren is passionate about helping people see themselves and others more clearly, fostering deeper connections through powerful communication. She’s the host of the Strangers on The Way Podcast, author of Strangers on The Way: Finding God Through the People We Meet and Behind the Waterfall: Navigating the Uncharted Waters of Grief, and the creator of the Wholeness Journal series. 

Lauren’s mission is to empower individuals to love boldly, communicate honestly, and thrive in every connection. In her free time, you’ll find her hosting spontaneous living room dance parties with her large extended family in Chicago.

Learn more at laurenhansencreative.com.

Transforming the world, one stranger at a time.

On a quest to eliminate loneliness and isolation, writer and podcaster Lauren Hansen is on a mission to encourage every person to meet someone new every day. This podcast shares inspirational stories of her interactions with strangers across the world. Be inspired through her stories to create new stories of your own.

In Episode 4, Lauren introduces listeners to Deanna, a housekeeper at a senior home who brings beauty to the ordinary by praying for the residents and lighting up the room.

W – Wonder

Do parts of your life feel ordinary? In what ways can you add some sparkle to your tasks today? Invite God to share creative ways to change up your routine and write them here.

A – Activate 

Ask God to bring a name to mind of someone who could use some encouragement today. Write them a note and place it in your mailbox today.

Who will I write to today?  

Y – Yield 

Acts 17:26-27 says, “From one man he made every nation of men, that they should inhabit the whole earth; and he determined the times set for them and the exact places where they should live. God did this so that men would seek him and perhaps reach out for him and find him, though he is not far from each one of us.” You have been strategically placed exactly where you are today. Ask God to help you notice someone who may be overlooked by most of the world. Maybe it’s a cashier at the grocery store or a hospital nurse or a prisoner or an elderly person or a child. Invite God to nudge you today and take a moment to encourage whoever he brings into your path.

Support the show

Lauren Hansen, M.Ed., is a natural storyteller and creative consultant who believes that love + words can set people free and transform relationships. As the founder of Lauren Hansen Consulting LLC, she specializes in creative consulting that guides individuals through every step of the book writing process, hosts inspiring workshops that guide people toward becoming the greatest versions of themselves, and pioneers meaningful projects with organizations that impact the globe.

As an author, speaker, and podcaster, Lauren is passionate about helping people see themselves and others more clearly, fostering deeper connections through powerful communication. She’s the host of the Strangers on The Way Podcast, author of Strangers on The Way: Finding God Through the People We Meet and Behind the Waterfall: Navigating the Uncharted Waters of Grief, and the creator of the Wholeness Journal series. 

Lauren’s mission is to empower individuals to love boldly, communicate honestly, and thrive in every connection. In her free time, you’ll find her hosting spontaneous living room dance parties with her large extended family in Chicago.

Learn more at laurenhansencreative.com.

Transforming the world, one stranger at a time.

On a quest to eliminate loneliness and isolation, writer and podcaster Lauren Hansen is on a mission to encourage every person to meet someone new every day. This podcast shares inspirational stories of her interactions with strangers across the world. Be inspired through her stories to create new stories of your own.

In Episode 3, Lauren introduces listeners to Roy, a worker at a beachside hostel. Roy shifted Lauren's perspective about the season she was in and opened her eyes to the power of random acts of kindness.

W – Wonder

What season are you in personally? Do things feel consistent and steady or do you sense a beginning, ending or transition coming? What do you notice? What is changing or shifting? Write a few sentences about the season you are in and how it feels to be there.

A – Activate 

Imagine your current season is an actual season – spring, summer, fall or winter. In the spring, things are blooming. New things are beginning and momentum is building. With summer comes ease and fruit. Summer is an overflow and lots of outward growth is visible. Fall is a preparation for winter. Just as leaves fall off the trees, there may be some letting go. Winter is where hidden growth happens. It may feel like an invisible or hidden season, but deep roots are being forged. Ask God what season you are in and write what you sense below.

Y – Yield 

Each season has an intentional purpose. Just like vegetables are planted, watered and harvested, our lives are like that too. There is a rhythm and each part has meaning. Have you been resisting the season you are in? I invite you to pray this prayer with me: God, thank you that you are so intentional with my life. I accept this season that I am in and I ask that you help me squeeze every ounce of goodness and meaning out of it. Even if it feels uncomfortable, I trust you.  I trust you in this season and I trust you in the next. Please be my shepherd and guide me.

Support the show

Lauren Hansen, M.Ed., is a natural storyteller and creative consultant who believes that love + words can set people free and transform relationships. As the founder of Lauren Hansen Consulting LLC, she specializes in creative consulting that guides individuals through every step of the book writing process, hosts inspiring workshops that guide people toward becoming the greatest versions of themselves, and pioneers meaningful projects with organizations that impact the globe.

As an author, speaker, and podcaster, Lauren is passionate about helping people see themselves and others more clearly, fostering deeper connections through powerful communication. She’s the host of the Strangers on The Way Podcast, author of Strangers on The Way: Finding God Through the People We Meet and Behind the Waterfall: Navigating the Uncharted Waters of Grief, and the creator of the Wholeness Journal series. 

Lauren’s mission is to empower individuals to love boldly, communicate honestly, and thrive in every connection. In her free time, you’ll find her hosting spontaneous living room dance parties with her large extended family in Chicago.

Learn more at laurenhansencreative.com.

Transforming the world, one stranger at a time.

On a quest to eliminate loneliness and isolation, writer and podcaster Lauren Hansen is on a mission to encourage every person to meet someone new every day. This podcast shares inspirational stories of her interactions with strangers across the world. Be inspired through her stories to create new stories of your own.

In Episode 2, Lauren introduces listeners to Madison, an eight-year old running a lemonade stand after a tragic 4th of July parade.

W – Wonder 

A few weeks ago, while I was taking a walk, I noticed some maple trees and they reminded me of a tree behind my childhood home. At the same time, I sensed God say to me, “I am restoring your childhood.” I believe this is a word from him for all of his children, including you. Invite Jesus to share how he is restoring your childhood in this season and write what you sense him saying.

A – Activate 

Invite Jesus to bring to your mind a childhood moment in your life. It may be a joyful time or a difficult one. Visualize the moment in your mind and ask Jesus to join you in the memory. Notice where he is. Notice his smile and the compassion in his eyes. Invite him to show or tell you what he wants you to know. He is ever-present and trust that he will reveal something to you that he wants you to know.

Y – Yield 

What did you love to do as a child? Was it writing stories, flying a kite, drawing hopscotch with chalk on your sidewalk or something else? Pick one thing you loved as a child and do it this week! 

What will you do? 

When and how? 

Support the show

Lauren Hansen, M.Ed., is a natural storyteller and creative consultant who believes that love + words can set people free and transform relationships. As the founder of Lauren Hansen Consulting LLC, she specializes in creative consulting that guides individuals through every step of the book writing process, hosts inspiring workshops that guide people toward becoming the greatest versions of themselves, and pioneers meaningful projects with organizations that impact the globe.

As an author, speaker, and podcaster, Lauren is passionate about helping people see themselves and others more clearly, fostering deeper connections through powerful communication. She’s the host of the Strangers on The Way Podcast, author of Strangers on The Way: Finding God Through the People We Meet and Behind the Waterfall: Navigating the Uncharted Waters of Grief, and the creator of the Wholeness Journal series. 

Lauren’s mission is to empower individuals to love boldly, communicate honestly, and thrive in every connection. In her free time, you’ll find her hosting spontaneous living room dance parties with her large extended family in Chicago.

Learn more at laurenhansencreative.com.